Vatican City, Feb 5, 2007 / 12:01 pm
Vatican Radio reported this weekend that Archbishop Jose Meng Ziwen of Nanning died on Saturday in the province of Guang Xi.
The archbishop, who served the Catholic Church in Communist China in a region located 2,700 kilometers southeast of Peking, was 103 years old and was the oldest Chinese prelate and one of the oldest in the world.
Archbishop Meng Ziwen was arrested in 1951 during the brutal “cultural revolution” of Mao Tse Tung and was condemned to 20 years of forced labor.
He was freed in 1970 and afterwards survived by selling fertilizer. When possible he devoted himself to evangelization and to the pastoral care of the faithful.
According to Vatican Radio, “after the government’s modest changes in its religious policies, Archbishop Meng Ziwen convinced Chinese authorities to return Church property.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA